My hearing and communication

I first realised I was experiencing hearing loss when the actors on TV would mumble! My husband is normally softly spoken so I was always telling him to speak up! The catalyst for seeking help was in the car. My daughter and granddaughter were in the front seat and I was in the back. I could not catch what they were talking about.

I suggested to my daughter, “Perhaps I need hearing aids,” half joking.

Her reply was damning, “Yes you do, Mum.”

Eek I thought.

My experience

The initial appointment with Dunay was so different to my previous one, it was laughable. The equipment, the length and variety of the ear hearing tests were so different. Dunay herself was the consummate professional. She was friendly and welcomed my questions. She explained the results so my husband and I could understand. Having some aids for a trial period was a great incentive as it showed what I was missing. The electronics in the devices are so smart it’s phenomenal.

My hearing aids

I wear my hearing aids nearly all the time. I’ve become so comfortable with them I’ve worn them in the shower several times and have had to hurriedly remove them. No damage done fortunately. I went to the extra expense of getting a gidgee for the TV which directs sound to my hearing aids. My husband now has the volume to his liking.

My recommendation

Dunay and Trish are exceedingly knowledgeable in their field and are willing to give the time to help you with any problems you have. I’ve found them personable, approachable and professional and have been waxing lyrical about them to all my friends. If you think you need help with your hearing, contact Cotton Tree Audiology! You can say, “Julie sent me”.

My hearing

In my late 30's after a heavy cold, I realised my right ear felt "blocked " and the hearing bad so I was sent to an ENT who diagnosed Otosclerosis, a condition where sound doesn't get conducted to the inner ear efficiently, and a stapedectomy was suggested, which had a 95 % chance of restoring my hearing to normal.

It didn't, and I lived with that rather deaf ear for the next 25 years.

Alas... the left ear developed the same problem… 3 operations later, including a period with no hearing at all in that ear and a screaming tinnitus instead, and I now had severe hearing loss in both ears.

Along came my first hearing aids and the amazing ability to once again hear...

Birds greeting the dawn... a dripping tap... the kettle boiling... a knock at the door... my phone ringing in the next room, and what brought me to tears... the soft purr of my cat which I'd only experienced as a vibration.

My tinnitus

I'd learned to live with the tinnitus and coped by using the screaming sound as a meditation, and I realised it was far less intrusive once I put my aids in.

It's worst in the wee small hours and the first thing I do in the morning is reach for my friendly little tear drops of help and feel gratitude for the relief they bring.

I was scared that seeking help with my tinnitus may make me concentrate more on the "problem" but that's not the case, and Dunay has a wonderful understanding of tinnitus and ways to help it be less intrusive.

Ear health maintenance

I found Cotton Tree Audiology when I needed the wax sucked rather than washed out of my ears, and the moment I walked into the serene welcoming reception area it felt like home.

Dunay was so understanding and caring I knew I wanted her to be my Audiologist, and she went to so much trouble to research the best aids for my hearing loss, and for the first time I felt someone actually really understood the challenges of hearing loss and how best to help.

She explained everything very well and I was an important part of the process and choices made.

My communication

The aids I now have allow me to hear better in group situations and even follow conversations with some measure of accuracy and now if I avoid social gatherings, it's my introversion not my hearing that's responsible.

My cat no longer mimes... once I put my aids in.

The importance of hearing

My partner had industrial hearing loss and had been recommended a hearing aid fitting but, he refused.

When he tried some test ones it was so much easier to communicate but my pleas fell on deaf ears quite literally as he said he was not ready for them yet, and that decision ultimately cost him his life.

He was walking in rugged country with friends and took a wrong track and his deafness meant he didn't hear then calling to him. He was way ahead, got lost and fell badly, and died.

My recommendation

So, if you find it harder to hear, or those near and dear must keep repeating themselves please... get tested and embrace your aids should you need them.

It just might save your life, and is a blessing for those around you.

I now see my deafness as a little gremlin that sits on my shoulder, a part of me but thanks to Dunay and Trish, and my hearing aids, it is just a presence and no longer a disability.

Thank you, you made a difference.

My hearing and communication

I noticed my hearing loss about 10 years prior to my first visit, particularly in amongst bigger groups of people I realised that I wasn't hearing everything that was being said. Though my wife had been complaining for some time prior to this.

My wife decided that she was sick of repeating herself and I decided to go along with getting tested despite the fact that I had repetitiously avoided the fact that it was getting worse.

My concerns

I was concerned that I was not able to participate in life and/or projects without my wife being there to interpret.

How has better hearing changed your day-to-day life?

It has changed my wife's life as she doesn't have to repeat herself so often - when I remember to put my hearing aids in.

I can participate in telephone conversations with children and grandchildren now as previously I couldn't hear what was being said.

I like to walk a lot and can now hear when bicycles/e-bikes etc. are coming from behind.

I can participate in conversations when in a small group.

My recommendation

My Cotton Tree Audiology initial visit was very thorough, and Dunay spent as much time as needed to establish my needs. Subsequent visits the same time was taken to make sure that the hearing aids were operating at optimum levels for my needs.

They are very caring and efficient in their communication and service, and we have often recommended Cotton Tree Audiology to friends.

My hearing loss

I noticed my hearing difficulty probably about 4 years ago when we started playing pub trivia.

My main concern was getting unbiased advice, around the different devices available.

I didn't want to be pushed into something that wasn't going to give me a benefit.

Why did you choose Cotton Tree Audiology?

Dr Dunay was the main reason, The fact that she holds a PHD shows a commitment to providing the best evidence-based solutions. Secondly, they are not tied to any one brand of hearing device, this means that Dr Dunay was able to provide a tailored solution that worked for my unique condition.

How has better hearing changed your day-to-day life?

My main issue was hearing in loud environments, having meaningful conversations with my friends and family while enjoying pub trivia.

My hearing aids allow me to have detailed conversations across the table in a noisy pub/restaurant. This reduced my social anxiety greatly, because in the past I would smile and nod even if I couldn't understand what was being said.

My advice

Relax, you are in the best hands, be honest with what works and what doesn't. Dr Dunay will take as long as is required to get the best solution.

My hearing

I didn't notice that my hearing was not as good as I thought.

My communication

However, when I was out and about, I was forever asking folk to repeat what they had said or I was frustrated if I couldn't read their lips. I then realised I should get an ear hearing test but because of a few health issues, I kept putting it off and just not getting around to it.

My concerns

I knew I should go, but I felt concerned and almost scared I wouldn't make the right choice of audiologist. Where and who? Did I want these hearing gadgets in my ears...oh, I was alright…no, I wasn't!!!

Then one day I was consulting with my wonderful and observant Gastroenterologist who quickly noticed I was asking for repeats of his words.

My decision

I made an appointment for an ear hearing test.

I cannot speak highly enough of Dr Dunay and her receptionist Trish. It was the most wonderful experience. I felt at ease and nothing was a bother.

How I feel now

I left her rooms in Cotton Tree with my hearing aids in my ears, got in my car and heard my indicators ticking for the first time ever. Very exciting! To hear properly is so special.

I would recommend Dr Dunay to anyone who needs help with their ears.

She will put you at ease and make sure you are perfectly happy.

It has been 12 months now and I don't even know I have aids in my ears.... absolutely wonderful.

See Dr Dunay today!

My hearing challenges

After I had a head injury at work, my hearing was a real problem, it was causing a lot of anxiety, stress and had a huge impact on my mental health. 

What concerns or fears did you have at the time?

Mainly what they looked like, but I was keen to get them.

Why did you choose Cotton Tree Audiology?

Due to a recommendation from another hearing specialist, he mentioned that I shouldn't go to the regular chain audiologists. Cotton Tree Audiology was the only place he recommended on the Sunshine Coast. No regrets, recommendation was spot on.

How has better hearing changed your day-to-day life?

It has been life changing. I feel a piece of myself has been restored.

What advice would you give someone considering visiting us for the first time?

You are in good hands.  Trust the advice. Dunay, the audiologist, is fabulous and truly professional. 

I first realised that I was having hearing challenges was when I unable to hear any of the conversation when out with a group of people or when there was loud background noise.

I decided to seek help for my hearing challenges when I was becoming occasionally unable to understand family members in normal situations.

My only concern was the thought of having to wear hearing aids.

I selected Cotton Tree Audiology mainly because of the qualifications and experience of Dr Dunay and location of the office.

I find that I can take part in, and understand, conversations in all situations now.

If you are having issues with your hearing, go and get tested.  It is a simple process conducted by a highly qualified person.  If you are required to wear hearing aids it is something you get used to very easily.

My hearing

My hearing had been gradually deteriorating over several years making it increasingly difficult to attend work meetings, have phone conversations, go out to dinner in noisy environments and watch television to name a few of the many ways it impacts your life.

My communication

One-day my brother said to me I've been talking to you and you haven't heard a word; he was standing behind me and I was totally unaware he was talking. I decided that it was time to seek help.

My decision

I researched audiology clinics on the Sunshine Coast and decided upon Cotton Tree Audiology. This was the best decision I could have made. From the first appointment Dr Dunay put me totally at ease with her kindness and her desire to help me find the right solution for my impaired hearing.

My realisation

I never realised how much I had been withdrawing from situations where I was unable to communicate due to my poor hearing. Wearing hearing aids has opened up my world. I am now no longer concerned about not being able to be an active participant in conversations.

My recommendation

If you are having difficulty hearing don't wait as long as I did to seek help. The team at Cotton Tree Audiology, Dr Dunay and Trish have been amazing to work with.